Out of Towners, The MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -2

Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn play Henry and Nancy Clark in this adaptation of Neil Simon's 1970 screenplay. After seeing their last child off to college, Henry and Nancy face the prospects of an empty nest. Henry, an advertising executive, has an important job interview in New York that may move the Ohio couple to the Big Apple. Although he hopes to sneak off to the interview alone, Nancy joins him on the flight to New York. Fog diverts them to Boston and a series of hilarious mis-adventures begin as they try to get to the interview. John Cleese of televisions MONTY PYTHON and FAWLTY TOWERS plays an imperious hotel manager who's both part of their problems and the solution. Middle-aged couples will laugh and identify with the Clarks and their search for life after children. But unless they're fans of the stars, younger audiences may have difficulty relating.

The Clarks seem to have trouble with honesty. Henry lies to Nancy by omitting the fact of his firing, later admitting he was ashamed. And Nancy forgets to tell Henry about letting their daughter over-extend his credit card. Their mis-adventures also include wandering into a group therapy session where sexual dysfunctions are aired as well as the Clark's recent lack of sexual activity. Nancy implies she will have adulterous sex with a man to get his hotel key. At another point, Henry and Nancy engage in graphic sex without nudity in Central Park. Henry gets arrested after relieving himself behind a bush. And to get Henry out of jail, Nancy blackmails the hotel manager threatening to reveal his transvestite activities. In jail, Henry is unknowingly given a hallucinogenic drug and later reacts to it. The dialogue is refreshingly free of obscenity, with the exception of one s-word. Unfortunately, the sexual content, some regular profanities and one obscenity seriously mar this very funny film.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: Paramount Pictures, 5555 Melrose Ave. L.A., CA 90038